About Trinity College

The campus for Trinity College, located in Hartford CT, was designed over the course of several decades with involvement from the Olmsted firm. In 1872, Frederick Law Olmsted returned to his hometown of Hartford, CT, to contribute to the planning and design of Trinity College. In post-Civil War America, Olmsted believed universities should play a critical role in advancing democracy. As he saw it, the physical environment (buildings and grounds) contributed to both the success of education as well as the shaping of character. 

Olmsted suggested several potential locations for Trinity College, visiting ten sites for the City of Hartford and University Board of Trustees, before sketching out his ultimate vision. In a letter to the college president, Olmsted wrote “a well-designed campus” would foster “acquisition of the general quality of culture which is the chief end of a liberal education.” Although the trustees selected a different location than the ones presented, Olmsted’s sketches influenced the development of the college and provided guidance on how to navigate the uneven terrain of the site they chose. 

Inspired by British design, the main campus includes an elevated quadrangle that frames the campus’ iconic Long Walk. The Long Walk is positioned to orient campus buildings along Rocky Ridge, a prominent trap rock ridge in Hartford.  The quadrangle featured elm trees to provide shading and decoration. 

Olmsted and his sons remained involved at Trinity College until the early 1890s, advising the planning and development of the campus for over 20 years. 

Today, many species of trees now shade the quadrangle, and in 2023, the Trinity College campus became an accredited Level I arboretum. The Long Walk is still an integral part of Trinity’s campus and alumni cherish the commencement march along its well-worn path and onto the quad.